Henry Lao, chairman of the Philippine Coconut Oil Producers Association said that the imposition of the levy which would result to additional costs for coconut oil mills operating outside Northern Samar will in turn be borne by consumers as the additional cost will in turn be passed to said consumer.


In addition, the cost of copra bought from the province will lower as coconut oil mills operating outside the province will deduct the levy on the buying price of copra bought in Northern Samar.


Lastly, the proposed ordinance is seen as a restriction of free trade bound to hurt the coconut farmers in the province as such farmers will be forced to sell the copra to operators in the province at whatever cost set by the buyers in the area.


Board member Albert Lucero explained that he filed the ordinance to address the spread of brontispa and other coconut pests in the province and other places.


The Philippine Coconut Authority in Eastern Visayas has stepped in to resolved the controversy through a public hearing set by the Sanguniang Panlalawigan on June 18 in Catarman Northern Samar.


Edilberto Nierva, PCA regional manager disclosed that representatives from their main office legal department will attend the public hearing to clarify issues related to the legality of the proposed ordinance.
The public hearing is expected to draw participants from various sectors. (eopt/PIA8)

Proposed Northern Samar provincial ordinance on coco levy set for public hearing